Before I get into what's off lately the positives first. I have been coming here for quite some time now and overall I prefer this nail salon to any other because of the small touches and not being nickel and dimed for every service like other studios. The nail techs in general do a thorough job of getting my feet and nails in shape. I love the decor, tea, and KPop they play lol. What I do find disturbing is when one of the nail techs eats her food over the nail treatment table, talking with her mouth open while chewing and disturbing my peace of mind while talking loudy to my nail tech during my session. Worse is the touching of the nose , not washing hands and then touching the table. It's really unhygenic and gross. I have been wanting to say something for a long time but the space is so intimate it's akward. The owner I adore and she has worked really hard to create a superb atmosphere. Also speaking in a second language LOUDLY that I cannot understand for long periods of time as in gossip is alienating. It gives you are talking about your customers vibes and is super uncomfortable. If the management reads this please take action on these points. It is a make it or break it kind of thing. I want to keep coming here. Please remember it's a refuge of self care for your customers. Thank you so much, read more

They're overbooked and left me injured as a result. I've been coming for a couple of years now and I always tip 20%+ and I always call in advance since my schedule is flexible to accommodate them. Today they told me they are open at 11 but when I got there at 10:55 there were multiple ppl already in so I had to wait again which I always have to do. They are always overbooked and they can't manage. And then the job was so bad, and when I asked to redo because the gel polish was chipping she burnt my finger. They were so mad even though I gave them 20% tip that they burnt my finger. I think I have to see a doctor now since it's really burning and hurting, please be careful going there as they are so overbooked that they don't care if they burn you. read more

TAO Nail Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I absolutely love this nail studio! It's the only place in the city where I know they will do a great job and I will leave pleased with my results. I have been visiting them since their opening and I'm so happy to see how they keep growing and will continue to grow. They make sure to set an amazing vibe for all clients, with yummy snacks from China (that I often find myself googling so I can purchase because they really are yummy), tea, great music and even better messages. I recently visited again after a while (I'm in the city part time but it is not home anymore) and as always I have left pleased with my final result and the service they extended. I got this beautiful green color (I'm usually a basic color kind of girl like baby pink, white or just any nude color) but the colors I chose this time made me want to step out of my comfort zone more often and I have been really enjoying green this year, the color looks so much better in person and I'm proud my nails are long enough that I can now enjoy doing different styles with them. Tao Nail Studio ensures that their clients are always pleased with their results and take care of you! Please make sure to always bring cash as it is polite to tip in cash (better for the store and the employees overall). They also have Zelle & Venmo in case you want a quick checkout. For those looking for a cheap manicure/pedicure this is not the place for you, this is a spot where you are paying for exactly what you are paying and it is worth it. Your nails will last anywhere from two-three weeks if you take good care of them and the products are organic so the growth is chef's kiss. read more

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Exceptional experience. I came here to get my nails done for an important family event and ended up needing to get Gel-X done due to my short nails. I ended getting the most beautiful nails I've ever had done, and they looked great in family photos! The whole team was so sweet and welcoming, with a major attention for detail. Highly recommend TAO Nail Studio read more

Love this cozy salon. Quality service but they are always rushing. If you want art, there is never enough time. Love the tea and small touches. This would be my go to if I didn't feel so rushed. read more

We love this nail salon! Rachel and her crew are the best. Problem is, it is small and I hesitate to review because I want to always be able to get in! read more

Sad I loved this place the first couple of times but just had horrible customer experience the past 3 times I went. I always tip 20% just get gel, I made an apt days in advance and asked for French tip. When I was in, and asked for French the women snapped at me and said there wasn't time. I asked if I could come back later on a different day and she said no, I couldn't make an appointment for the next two days. Also originally she had said a removal would be 5 dollars but then charged me like 12. Overall I didn't care about paying it just took like an hour for a removal as the started servicing other customers, also not fun to be publicly shamed. My other two times were similar but that was kind of the final straw, don't need to be yelled at and I went to a different salon that was happy to for a French (without an apt). read more

Used to be my go-to. Now? Never again. After almost 2 years of loyalty and sending 3 friends their way, today was the last straw. While Tao does a decent job with gel, the customer experience is consistently cold and today, it was hostile. A tech rolled her eyes and snapped at me for asking to file two nails shorter. Then she started talking angrily to the tech next to her in a second language but it doesn't take a genius to decipher the tone and anger. Even the woman next to me looked super uncomfortable. To top it off, when I asked about chrome powder, I was ignored until another customer chimed in to confirm they do offer it. Literally what's the point in that? No nail salon is worth being made to feel like this when you're paying for a service. I still tipped well, but I won't be back and I'll be telling friends to steer clear too read more

High quality services at an affordable cost and in a chic, cozy, and intimate space. I'm not one to view getting my nails done as a luxury, as after years on end, i now consider these services as more "'maintenance." and so try to cut some corners to save some money by going to the down low, questionable, and cheaper spots. However, TAO has allowed me to change my mind about what's worth it and what's not. Calling for an appointment is a smooth and stress-free process. I've called last minute both times I came in and they were able to accommodate (am I exhausting my luck?). Rachel's work is outstanding and thorough. I was astonished by her dedication, concentration, and high attention to detail as she was finished my damaged nails (ripped them off after getting them botched by a nail shop nearby). She got every single nook and cranny and did not let one flaw slide by. I'm so used to be treated like a cash cow at nail shops where they cut you or don't make your nails even, etc, so when Rachel went HAM into making sure my nails were perfect, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Aside from that, despite being more average in price for a regular pedicure ($35 + $5 gel take off), i felt treated like a princess, too. The salon doesn't have the traditional pedicure chairs, but a regular comfy chair that they bring a bucket/basin to where you soak your feet. while they get your basin ready, you can pick a color. there's a good amount of natural and neutral colors available (which is right up my alley), but i brought my own polish. you're then offered some tea/coffee/water, as well as a little chocolate on the side. The tech was more thorough than other places in EV, which i really appreciated. they do do hot stones, which was nice, but only for your feet. the hot towel was more warm, than hot, which wasn't as comforting. you're then moved to a drying fan overall, the quality of the pedicure was great. i was pleasantly surprised by the massages here. not only did they give foot/leg massage, my tech did a nice quick head and neck massage as well. Overall, this place is different than the rest--they treat guests like friends and you can feel that! You really feel the warmth, friendliness, and intimacy of the place--as they're offering you treats, tea, etc. For once, i felt happy to tip and not just social customarily obligated. it was peaceful, relaxing, and a rejuvenating experience that i forgot was possible! read more

Super unfriendly when walking in and asking about appointment. Went to a different place around the corner and they were much nicer. Top a nails read more

A great time. I haven't found a nail place that compares to the care and silly but non dillydallyin nature of this place. Whimsical owner, detail oriented nail techs. Won't leave a cuticle uncut. I've been here 2x and I rarely rate a nail place this high. read more

TAO Nail Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

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Very friendly staff and nice cozy environment. It's a small salon. I had to wait for 10 mins after my appt but they were very apologetic. Loved my time there and will be going back! read more

Good service and nice shop... comfortable vibe... a bit pricey for this, over $100... read more

TAO Nail Studio - Coffin shape in color 65 - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I wanted to give Rachel 5 stars once she greeted me. She hung my coat, offered me tea, carefully explained process and pricing....let me ask a million questions. Asked about ME and didn't just talk to her coworker the whole time. The space is chic and comfy. I love the energy...calm and inviting. I didn't have to commit to the original color chosen and when I designed to spruce it up a bit with gold, Rachel used great judgement! I CANNOT WAIT to go back. Such an amazing find...great, quality service and my nails look flawless. Thank you Rachel! read more

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Customer service was nice at first, I was greeted by the owner who took my coat and desserts out of my hand for me to get comfortable but I was disappointed beyond that because the nail tech cut my nails too short so we couldn't do the silver glitter ombré nails I wanted since it just didn't look right. The tech also cut one of my cuticles causing me to bleed for a little and they charged me $45 for the gel nails $3 for painting the nails glitter when that's the nail polish which I don't understand. I came at 4:30pm to do Gel mani alone it took 2 hours way too long for just that. read more

Rachel is a true artist. She works quickly, has an incredible eye to detail, and is such a friendly person. Even though I changed my service on the day of, Rachel was able to accommodate me. This place is a hidden gem, and I'll definitely be returning! read more

TAO Nail Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Amazing new nail salon in the east village! Rachel was super nice and did an amaZing job. Its also so cute inside! I got a gel manicure. if I wasn't moving out of state, this would be my new go to spot!!! Flash forward to two weeks later and my nails are STILL PERFECT!!!! AND I MOVED!!! no chips in sight. Hands down the best gel manicure in nyc read more

TAO Nail Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I've been going to this small oasis for just about 2 years now! They offer Japanese gel which I like to get since it's less harsh on your nails and is rare to come by. The tea and snacks they have are also such a nice touch. Rachel the owner and is best. She has amazing attention to detail and goes above and beyond to make her customers happy. I've changed my mind on so many colors and asked her to add extra coats so many times and she's always accommodates without hesitation. She also turns my book for me when I'm reading which is SO sweet. One thing to consider is that gel manicures can take ~1.5-2 hours but trust me the time is so worth it! read more

I finally found go to nail salon in NYC! Here are what I really liked about 1. There are two nail artists. It was very relaxing, not crowded at all and I was able to enjoy the time while I was there. 2. Rachel, the girl who did my nails, was super friendly and cared about small little details. Most nail salons took less than an hour to do my nails, mostly in a rush. But, Rachel spent 3 hours to do gelX + Ombre + Glitter. She did 4 layers of Ombre and 2 layers of glitters. But it isn't thick at all. As you can see from my picture, it is just PERFECT! Also, she is very very friendly! She explained what is good and bad for my nails. 3. Clean! The interior is beautiful and super clean. Also, Rachel sanitized everything she was going to use and she used disposable file and buffer. Worth every penny! Definitely coming back. Oh, price isn't crazy at all read more

TAO Nail Studio - GelX + Ombre - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Loved it! It's so calm, relaxing and a slight luxurious feeling to it. Got a gel manicure which was executed perfectly. Definitely not a rush job. Will definitely be my new to go spot after 16 years in the city. read more

TAO Nail Studio - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Break up with your current nail studio and go to Tao Nails - you won't regret it!! I was consistently going to a different nail salon and getting dip powder for 3 years but my nails felt so unhealthy and brittle. Tao opened up across the street from my apartment and while the most perfectly curated and warm aesthetic drew me in to try it out, the best gel manicures and nail professional has me coming back. I've gotten both the apres gel extensions and normal gel manicure and both have been perfectly done. Not to mention my nails are already so much healthier than they were for the past 3 years. Rachel and her other nail tech (believe her name is Katherine) pay such close attention to what you want/ask for and are very friendly and personable. I highly recommend both! I am so glad I made the switch to Tao and gel manicures. While I'd love to gate-keep this place for selfish reasons of accessibility, it would be of disservice to Rachel and her team to not make sure they got all the glowing reviews and growing business! read more

TAO Nail Studio - Apres Extensions w/ OPI "Krona Logical Order" - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

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Wow this place is a dream. I came in with the worst set of acrylics I have ever had (terrible color, design and so thick). I was desperate to get them fixed. I called around and thank goodness no one else had openings because TAO was exactly what I needed. I got an appointment same day. I came in, they were patient with me. Helen was incredible, she handled me with love and care. Her craftsmanship was top notch. She shaved my nails down to a natural thickness, she refilled with precision, and the design she did was close to perfection, checking in with me every step of the way. The price is unbeatable. I got a refill, design, great service all for $130 with tip. I felt at ease & the salon, although small, felt chic as well as comfortable. I will be coming back to Helen and TAO for as long as I live in the area. read more

There are so many good things to say about Rachel/Tao I almost don't want to share because I would love to keep Tao my secret. I only get regular polish manicures and pedicures, so my experience speaks to this, though Tao offers a variety of gels, including Japanese gel. I first met Rachel (Tao's owner) when she was working at Zeno nail salon. She instantly left a fantastic impression. She was kind, thoughtful and gave me the best manicure I'd had in many years. Until I met Rachel, I searched for a go-to nail tech/nail salon. There seems to be a lost nail salon experience that I've felt, and I've heard others mention. Not only does Rachel give you that nostalgic nail salon experience, but she also brings it in 2022 with her skills and service offerings. Nail lines are always clean, and you'll never leave unsatisfied or with an imperfection. Tao is a beautifully curated space. You can tell the space was created by a nail tech professional with the consumer in mind to offer you the most relaxed and enjoyable environment. When you walk in, you're offered something to drink. The chairs are so comfortable you might fall asleep during your pedicure, especially during the massage! The deluxe pedicure is a dream, and all fresh ingredients are used. I could go on and on about what a wonderful experience this is! Truly a gem of a nail salon and a gem of a nail professional. 1000/10 read more

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Absolutely hands down wonderful experience at TAO. Pedicure was great fresh lemons was used to clean, exfoliate, and top it of the vitamin c help brighten the skin! Great honey scrub for the winter weather! Foe my hands my first set of apres nails! COMPLETELY HOOKED! No chemicals and is 100% great and should be ONLY option for extensions. It doesn't harm your natural nails. LED light to help set color. Great option for those sensitive to UV like myself. Took a complete risk as my usual go to nail tech is someone else. Rachel and Vivians attention to detail was more than expected. I say give this amazing gem a try and I am sure you will find yourself a regular. The techs really takes there time out and Specializes in its services! Amazing just amazing read more

Just wrapped up the most chill mani pedi experience I've ever had in NYC. Spotted this place on my walk to a friends place a few weeks back and decided to give them a try. Booking online was a easy and I received confirmation text the day before as a reminder . I arrived about 15 min early but Rachel was ready for me :) The atmosphere , clean, super cute decor with spa like vibes and an amazing selection of gel and regular polish chose from. I was offered a beverage (tea, water) and we got started. I booked a standard manicure ($20.00) and pedicure ($35.00). Rachel explained all the elements of my pedicure including the cute flowers she sprinkled into the water . The honey scrub was heavenly and my feet feel amazing . Hot towel and hot stones to finish were an excellent touch . My manicure was equally amazing:) The level of detail put into this space is seen in everything down to the soft accent pillows and comfy chairs . I live in the neighborhood and love supporting local businesses I highly recommend this salon . Book your appointment ( seriously) read more

Cute place with nice staff. Unfortunately for the pedicure they have the typical nyc option where you sit on a chair and have a bucket for the pedicure. It was very uncomfortable especially for someone with long legs having to balance while trying to relax. They just use the stone on your feet, not legs. And the warm towel is warm-ish but not hot. It's decent enough but I'd prefer some place with proper spa seating Also found it off that I came in flip flops and they pu disposable ones on my feet for the polish. I'd really like to just find some place to get a pedicure that doesn't feel like I'm destroying planet earth. read more

I've gone to them every month for the past half year. Rachel and the ladies are the best- my gel nails last for 4+ weeks with no chipping. She does great nail art as well. Highly recommend, I want to gatekeep this unicorn place but I also want them to succeed and flourish! read more

Great job and nice atmosphere! Love a quiet mani / pedi... no talking or phone calls . Good price for quality !

This used to be my go to in the area as they do a decent job and it's a clean salon. However, the past few times I have gone they have been SEVERELY overbooked to the point that every time I come I am waiting 20+ minutes for someone to even seat me and they are so rushed and frantic that the quality has gone massively down. My past visit will be my last as I was told that they wouldn't have time time to do french which I do literally every time and then when they got to pedicure they said I would have to wait an addition 40 minutes for them to work on a customer that came in an hour after me. read more

I highly recommend Tao for anyone looking to treat themselves to a relaxing and beautiful manicure & pedicure. I recently treated myself to a spa manicure at Tao and was pampered like a princess Rachel was my technician and she was meticulous and very kind. read more

TAO Nail Studio - Spa manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

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All I can say is WOW! I've never felt more like a queen that at Tao. This salon tucked away in East Village/Alphabet City is a hidden gem with reasonable prices, attentive staff, and a 5-star experience. I got a regular pedicure for $35 which included all the fixings: a flower petal soak, foot scrub, massage etc. Annie spent just about an hour on me and paid attention to every detail! I had GelX on and they charged me about $15-20 to remove it but Rachel took her time and kept my nails healthy. I then got a regular manicure for $20 which was fantastic. Rachel even gave me a neck massage while my nails dried, water and snacks, and even helped me out my coat/shoes back on. This will be my go to spot in the city! read more

This is absolutely the most stylish and cleanest nail salon I have ever been. The owner pays attention to the details and care about customers. The nail gel can last for a long time and they are beautiful. I highly recommend to go here. read more

TAO Nail Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Rachel's attention to detail and care for her customers goes unmatched to any other nail salon that I have been to in NYC (and I have been to a lot.) She wants her nail salon experience to be a relaxing moment, to take a pause, in the hectic nyc life. She offers her customers tea/water, cookies, the water you soak your hands in is sprinkled with a beautiful fragrance, a honey scrub, and a little cuticle oil to take home with you. Rachel's attention to details continues with her amazing ambiance. She remodeled the entire place and it is so chic! If your nail chips in the span of 2 weeks Rachel let me know to come back and she will fix it! A must go!! read more

First time coming to Tao nail and had the best experience! Super Nice service, the place is cute inside clean and friendly.

TAO Nail Studio is now my favorite nail salon. It is a small and intimate location with amazing nail techs. I have never had such an amazing experience. Rachel took her time and gave me the best manicure I have ever had! She was so sweet and incredible hospitable, offering coffee, tea, water, and even pastries. She was such a pleasure to chat with during the manicure. I highly recommend the egg white treatment that comes with a sesame, lavender, and honey scrub all prepared with fresh ingredients in front of you. I was genuinely surprised how soft my arms and hands felt after the egg mask! This is the only spot I have been to that doesn't skimp on the hand massage and I have been to MANY salons. So amazing, I am now a loyal customer for life! read more

TAO Nail Studio - Gel mani- cuticles groomed and nails shaped to perfection - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

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This place is fantastic. I just gel extensions there and Vivian did an incredible job. She takes her time and is very meticulous. The salon itself is beautifully decorated and is an very peaceful environment. Most importantly, the salon is immaculately clean. The prices are average for a Manhattan salon, but the quality far exceeds anywhere else of comparable price. read more

TAO Nail Studio - Gel extensions (with OPI big apple red) - Nail Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Amazing staff! Very professional and very friendly. My girlfriend and I came here to get her manicure and pedicure and we were welcomed in warmly and while she was getting her nails done, the staff always checked in if everything was okay, if the temperature was fine, or if they needed to adjust anything. They even gave us complimentary snacks and drinks while her nails dried and got a massage included in the package. 10/10 would come back again and recommend read more

This is actually a great nail salon. Very friendly nail techs and soothing atmosphere. Only downside is the length of time is takes to do a gel manicure, way too long in my opinion but at least they care about what they do. read more

Great experience at Tao! Everyone was very nice and kind, and accommodating even though I made an appointment a couple hours before. They offered me snacks and beverages (which honestly I have never experienced before at a nail salon). My nails look great. I'm not usually great at keeping manicures from cracking, but they look great so far and are very durable. The regular pedicure included natural ingredients like petals and lemon, which made my skin feel great. Josie was very detail oriented - she made sure everything was perfect even though that meant I was there a while after when they were supposed to close for the day. Thank you! read more

This used to be my hidden gem because the quality is great and my nails last here. Lately, they've clearly been overbooking regardless if you have an appt and I won't be returning unless it's for a special occasion. My gel was soaking off for 20 min. (way too long) while the owner left me to do a pedicure. I said "'my hands are hurting" after 15 min. and I went to remove the foils and was told to wait. Someone else then did the rest of my manicure. She then filed my nails roughly to the point where one finger started to bleed. Typical appts there takes 1.5-2 hours so this is not a place to go if you're in a rush. I hope the service improves as they get busier. read more